Knight Spirits

by David Kuminski

  "God communicates with us in writing, too?" Waleski asked.

  "If you learn how to read, you might figure out what god wrote in our helmets. Right now, I'm the only person working on that problem," Coffin said.

  "But how could we do that?" Waleski asked.

  "Similar to how our language is translated into Bendovian or any other language," Coffin replied. "We learned it word by word until we knew enough meanings to reach into their writing. Well, almost similar since we won't have anyone to teach us god's language. Maybe, one of these days, we'll find god's interpreter."

  "Maybe I should spend some time learning how to read," Waleski said.

  "Check with the proctors when you return to Minius. Because of your status as a knight, they'll teach you. Just be aware that it's not as easy as Pahsoh trader language," Coffin said.

  "If ever there was a mystery, that's one I'll never figure out," Waleski said.

  "What do you find strange about Pahsoh trader language?" Gonzales asked.

  "Not their language. I mean their traders, in particular, do their best to amass wealth, but the people in Pahsoh are totally opposite in their religion. Stripping naked to worship god just doesn't sound right," Waleski said.

  "Not when you consider that they're reminding themselves that wealth means nothing to god. Before god, they consider themselves equal and express their humility," Coffin said.

  "It's just as well that I'm assigned to defend Minius rather than Pahsoh," Waleski said.

  "We're almost there. My visor blinked like it usually does," Gonzales said.

  "Do you think that's meant to help guide us to god's castle?" Waleski asked.

  ***

  "Should I go in first?" Waleski asked.

  Coffin shook her head. "I'll carry in the hollow suit first. Let's see what happens to it before we risk either of you."

  "Thanks, I appreciate that. I don't accept what you suggested, but that doesn't mean I'm not concerned that it could happen that way. I've already taken one swim that I'm still unsure about. I still don't know what I did wrong or how I offended god," Waleski said.

  "Maybe god wanted you to defend Pahsoh, instead," Gonzales said.

  Coffin laughed as she entered the gash. She disappeared from sight leaving Gonzales and Waleski standing beneath one of the side keels out of the sun. "You want her dodging seateeth, too, if she falls in again?"

  "No, I was thinking of how she'd deal with their holidays when everyone is required to be naked regardless of their religion. Of course, she might prefer seateeth," Gonzales said.

  "I've been to Pahsoh during their three-day holiday, as a matter of fact," Waleski exclaimed.

  "You went naked the entire three days and it didn't bother you?" Coffin asked.

  "Not at all, though I was only four at the time," Waleski said.

  Gonzales laughed.

  "All right, you pulled that one on me good. Since then, you've obviously changed," Coffin said.

  "That's true enough. I know more about what's going on around me. It might be all right to have a three-day long festival where everyone walks around naked, but I can't go for some of their other traditions," Waleski said.

  "You might when you get older and a bit less desirable. Then you'll look forward to a trip to Reeftown where you'll have the right to make demands upon the men during certain holidays. Many a widow has found a new husband that way," Coffin said.

  "If I ever become a widow, I might agree with you."

  "Well, the good news is that the Private Malidor suit was just taken from my hands and flew to the same storage niche. The wall is opening. The arms came out, again. I don't see any need for me to stand here and watch. I'll be back outside in a moment," Coffin said.

  ***

  "After you take your sword off, walk over to there, Waleski. That's where god, I guess, examines your suit. It doesn't seem to happen anywhere else in here," Coffin said.

  Waleski looked up from the mended Malidor suit that Coffin held to where Coffin pointed with the stub of her right wrist. After removing her sword and its sash, Waleski walked over, and halted in surprise when a light formed around her suit and it popped open.

  "Primary care required. Deposit your suit for scheduled primary care in accordance with United Earth Forces Maintenance Manual 2.1.3, Sergeant Waleski."

  "That's how it happened to Sabbo. Just slip it off, and let it go," Coffin said.

  Waleski stepped forward pulling her arms out to discover that her suit was already hovering on its own.

  "If you don't get that one back, I'll try to make this suit work for you," Gonzales said.

  "Thanks, but I've gotten used to being called Waleski. Maybe we should eat now?"

  "Sounds good to me. I know we have the new power, but I'd just as soon not have a fire after dark in case there are any Kron ships nearby," Coffin said.

  "Why didn't this ever happen to anyone before?" Gonzales asked.

  "I don't understand your question," Coffin said.

  "Why didn't god mend the suits before now? I feel certain that Waleski and I walked all over this room before," Gonzales said.

  "Yes, I'm wondering about that, too. I'm sure that we walked all around trying to find one of those other rooms," Waleski said.

  "I don't know. You might as well ask why we weren't given this power before now. None of us knows, even though several suggestions have been offered," Coffin said, as she stepped through the gash onto the sand and glanced around. "We still have enough time for a fire."

  ***

  "I guess it's your turn now," Waleski said, as she woke Gonzales.

  "It gave back your suit?"

  "As soon as the metal arms drew back into the wall. Don't worry about taking over on guard. I'm still fresh and awake. Besides, I like watching sunrises."

  "Becoming a Sun Watcher?" Gonzales asked, as he stood without picking up his sword or weapon's sash.

  "No. It's just that I like sunrises. It's a sure sign that god's star actually watched over us during the night. I like being rewarded with another day to live."

  Coffin turned over in her sleep.

  "I better see if god wants my suit before we wake her."

  "I'll be outside on watch. If you want to talk some…"

  "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

  Gonzales walked over to the niche. Upon reaching it, he found himself bathed in light as his suit opened.

  "Primary care required. Deposit your suit for scheduled primary care in accordance with United Earth Forces Maintenance Manual 2.1.3, Lieutenant Gonzales."

  Gonzales shifted his shoulders so he could withdraw his arms and step aside. Once clear, the suit flew to the maintenance niche as the others had.

  "I will trust in you, god. Please find me worthy of your continued support."

  As a set of mechanical arms went to work, Gonzales walked to the opening to make his way outside onto the sand where he could sit and meditate.

  Chapter 26

  King Vimma studied Duke Plesso's approach to the throne. There was something about the Duke of Verata that had never settled well with King Vimma, even when he ruled only Verata.

  "I report at the King's order," Plesso announced.

  "You are here because you requested I order you for consultation. Speak your voice," Vimma said. His serious intonation left no room for doubt in the Duke's mind that the conversation was other than social.

  "Sire, I have heard the Order of the Star selects knights in place of god. If this is so, then those who are selected should be from the Royal Knights only. They should not have the right to pick commoners who may carry no respect for your position or our god."

  Vimma sat passively for several moments before reaching for a goblet. He studied the contents briefly before taking a sip. "Duke Plesso, I believe you flinch at shadows. The Knights of the Star take an oath…"

  "I'm aware that they do. However, the people may see royalty in a new light because of this."

  Vimma glared at Duke Plesso.
"Do not interrupt me. As I was saying, they take an oath. To this day, no active knight in their Order has refused any orders from myself or any other legitimate leader." Plesso opened his mouth to object. "I'm aware that Basoc of Kron succeeded in gaining knighthood as Sir Corporal Smith. That does not diminish the loyalty of the others. Should I condemn all the dukes because one sided with the Krons several generations ago?" Vimma looked at Plesso in a manner that indicated he was to be answered.

  "No, Sire."

  "To be fair to you, I must apply the same rule to them. We have held this discussion before."

  Plesso glared at King Vimma for only a moment before he dropped his gaze. "Going by our earlier discussion, I mean only to protect your position. If nothing else, this Sir Lieutenant Gonzales should be ordered not to tamper with the traditional method of selecting new knights. At least, that will assure us that only devout peasants…"

  "I explained my position to you before. That is the considered opinion of the Council of Kings. The people recognize that we have forged a powerful alliance that benefits them. Our merchants prosper more than ever thanks to the Knights of the Star. The Royal Knights never succeeded in securing our coasts and waters. I will, however, give some thought to the manner of selection for the Knights of the Star. There is a chance that the Council might choose to opt for tradition, though I can see little reason in light of the greater danger posed currently by the forces of the Kron Empire. Certainly, Gonzales showed no hesitation in selecting those most capable of fighting for the right side when he selected. Nor did he forsake his Queen. He saw to her safety first. Had you paid more attention to the news given us by the Star Knight assigned to this court, you would know the prisoners at Castle High Crag have admitted that King Xidon has marshaled forces large enough to establish a foothold against what we can muster. We need the Knights of the Star more than ever, and men like Gonzales who uphold our rule without question. We are especially fortunate that they have discovered this new weapon that strikes down the enemy despite their numbers. I believe our conversation is ended."

  "Yes, Sire."

  Plesso turned and left at a casual pace. He paid no attention to the murals, particularly those whose colors were still bright because the effects of age hadn't dulled them yet. He cared little for the flying exploits those displayed within the member kingdoms, particularly because those showed absolutely no participation by the Royal Knights. Upon exiting the building, only then did he permit anyone to see the fire in his eyes as he returned to his own office.

  He headed for his desk to pick up a marking stick and an unused leaf. He glanced about the room. Only then did he write on the leaf. Upon finishing, he rolled the leaf into a tight tube. As he did so, he glanced about once more as if concerned that someone might see him. With the tube clenched tightly, he made his way up a stairway to the roof. Minutes later, a solitary homer flew from the castle.

  Chapter 27

  "Gonzales, your suit is ready!" Coffin announced from the entrance to Castle Staten Island.

  Gonzales stood up from the sand where he'd sat gazing upon the rows of former knights while mediating. He trudged back to the castle as if tired.

  "Worried that you won't regain your suit?" Coffin asked.

  "The suit matters not. I'm more concerned that I remain worthy. I took power from god when I gave knighthood to Eusis and Sabbo."

  "I think god chose you because you'd chose wisely when necessary. They'll both make fine knights."

  "What about Sabbo's bedding habits?" Gonzales asked.

  "God didn't tell us not to share our seed. If he could forgive me for killing, I'm sure he's capable of forgiving the sins of others. We can't all be as devout as yourself."

  "I'm not very devout."

  "You're more so than any of us," Coffin said, as Gonzales entered the castle.

  "It looks new. There aren't any cracks left in it."

  "Well, there aren't any arms around it, so I guess you can take it now."

  Gonzales gingerly lifted the suit from the niche. Upon stepping back, he ordered, "Activate Lieutenant Gonzales suit."

  Immediately, the suit opened so he could shift it about to place his arms within the openings and fit the suit into place.

  "It still fits you well. I think that should settle the matter of whether god approves of who you selected," Coffin said.

  "Do you really believe that?" Gonzales asked.

  "What other explanation is possible?" she replied.

  "Before we leave, you should step over there to see if it wants to repair your suit."

  "That's a good idea," Waleski said through the god voice.

  "You think mine needs repair?" Coffin asked.

  "I don't know. You'll have to trust god to know whether your suit needs repair," Gonzales answered.

  "Yes, I guess that's the only way to find out. We do have enough food and water to stay another day. Very well, I'll find out if god wants my suit," Coffin said.

  She stepped over to the spot where each of the suits had been accepted by god for repair.

  "Primary care required. Deposit your suit for scheduled primary care in accordance with United Earth Forces Maintenance Manual 2.1.3, Corporal Coffin…Medical status alert. Corporal Coffin is injured. Ready medical chamber."

  "What's happening?" Coffin exclaimed, as her suit fell from her to hover just before reaching the floor.

  It whisked upward and around her to the niche using a roundabout route different from any the knights had seen before. At the same time, red lights bathed the room around Corporal Coffin, even as a panel opened at one end of the room.

  "Look!" Gonzales exclaimed.

  A strange bed-like device floated into the room through the open panel. As it approached Corporal Coffin, a mechanical arm swung up and out to jab at Coffin before she could dodge out of the way. She stared briefly at the mechanical arm as it contacted with her flesh before her arm flinched away.

  "It stabbed…"

  The device stood on end and wrapped itself around Coffin before she could fall. Before Gonzales could reach her side, something halted him. He felt with his hands to find an impenetrable shield much like that which formed before his face when he flew at high speed. As much as he wanted to reach her, he couldn't. Instead, he helplessly watched as she was tilted to a horizontal position and carried away into the open panel to disappear from sight when the panel closed automatically.

  "Waleski! She's gone!"

  "What are you talking about?" Waleski asked.

  "Come down here from patrol. God just took Corporal Coffin!"

  "You don't have to yell. I can hear you. I'll be right there."

  Moments later Waleski settled to the ground outside the castle. She entered to see that Coffin's suit rested in the niche with the mechanical arms working upon it. At the same time, she couldn't help but notice that Coffin wasn't in sight. She knew that she hadn't seen Coffin anywhere about on the atoll. Aside from hiding under the two keels, there was no place to hide without burying oneself.

  "She's gone. God took her through there," Gonzales cried.

  "You saw god?" Waleski asked.

  "I don't know what I saw."

  "Draw me a picture in the sand outside."

  "Shouldn't we wait here?"

  "We'll watch from the doorway. If she returns, we'll run back in to rescue her."

  "I don't think so. I couldn't reach her when god came. The air formed a wall in front of me just like in front of our faces when we fly."

  "It shielded all of her without a suit?" Waleski asked. Gonzales nodded. "We'll do whatever we can if she's returned to us. Draw a picture of what you saw," Waleski said.

  At the entrance, Gonzales smoothed the sand before drawing with one finger as best he could. Waleski looked on as he drew something she'd never seen before. Hearing him explain that it touched her but once on the arm to disable her, she couldn't help but shudder from a chill running down her spine.

  "Could it have killed her?" Waleski asked.r />
  "By stabbing her in the arm? I don't know. I didn't see any blood spurt out. She couldn't have bled to death."

  "Not a drop?" she asked. Gonzales shook his head. "This is strange. We need Sir Private Moto to guide us."

  Gonzales continued to shake his head before he realized that Waleski was right. They did need leadership because he had no idea of what they should do next. He nodded his head instead.

  "Yes, you better fly back to tell Moto what's happened. I'll wait here in case god returns her before Moto can reach us."

  Waleski nodded. "You're right. You're not in any shape to fly at the moment. I'll go. You stay inside out of the sun." Gonzales stepped into the castle doorway and watched as Waleski flew up and circled briefly. "There's no one in sight, so you don't have to worry about any Krons. Moto and I will be back as soon as we can."

  He watched her fly off until she was out of sight. Only then did he walk back into the room to stand looking at the empty suit under repair. After awhile, he sat down and slumped back against the wall.

  "Standard United Earth Reconnaissance Force structure dictates that the unit, formed of thirty personnel and officers, operate with two active teams and one smaller team headed by the force leader in standby reserve. Each active team can work as a single unit or as two units when circumstances dictate by dividing along section lines under the sergeant and corporal who lead the unit."

  "God? Have I wronged you?" Gonzales asked, as he turned toward the voice.

  He stared at the wall where colorful lights normally flittered in a random pattern. Instead of those, he observed small boxes arranged in a pyramid pattern. Curiosity drove him to reach out to touch one of the shapes.

  "A Team is led by Sergeant Waleski and Corporal Nigel." He ran his finger over to another box. "B Team is led by Sergeant Klaus and Corporal Coffin." Gonzales moved his finger to the top box. "Headquarters Team is led by First Lieutenant Gonzales and Corporal Smith."

  "What about Smith? What do you want me to do, god?" Gonzales asked.

  ***